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December 30, 2009

As I stated in my last blog, I have come to realize that I am blessed beyond reason. This year has been a dream come true for me. I've made irreplaceable friends, priceless memories, and one in a lifetime opportunities. With that in mind, I have decided that I want to make a difference in someone else's life in 2010, and give them the opportunity to say that I helped them when they couldn't help themselves--this is my new years resolution. I want to go out of my way for someone(s) to try and make a difference in their life. I've never been one to set resolutions for myself like this. Not that I don't think I'd be able to keep them, or that they are stupid; I just never saw the point in them.. There's a first time for everything, though, right?

I want to devote time, money, energy to 4 different groups of people and/or organizations in some way. As I was thinking who I wanted to help, I couldn't decide which meant more to me and would be most rewarding.

First, the To Write Love On Her Arms organization. In their purpose is to inspire and instill hope in those, especially teens, fighting addiction, depression, self-injury, and suicide. "two out of three peopel who struggle with depression enver seek help, and untreated depression is the leading

cause of suicide. In america Alone, it is estimated that 19 million people live with depression, and suicide is the third-leading cause of death among those 18-24 years old." It's astonishing. We really never take the time to listen to those who may really need us--sometimes that's all it takes. This purpose is one that I want to help, because I've been in those low places before, and I know sometimes all it takes is a little tender loving care. I may not be able to influence someone personally, but I can make a difference somehow. With as high statistics as these, it's impossible not to come in contact with someone suffering. Even if it's simply putting a smile on someones face for a day, it's a difference I made in someone's day.

Did you know there are an estimated 131,000 veterans living in the United States on any given night. I saw a snippet of a cop show on tv not too long ago, a a kind homeless male veterane. He was doing nothing wrong, but seeking shelter next to the home of someone he knew. Apparently, they aren't friends as the man assumed, and the residents called the police asking the man to leave. When asked if he needed assistance, the man responded, "I spent 3 years in vietnam; this is nothing." His optimism should be reassuring, but I was impacted with the thought that he was willing to give ALL for us to sleep peacefully under a roof. He is fortunate enough to come back alive, but has no roof to sleep under for himself. I want to help a homeless person. I could donate time to feed the homeless, money to the VA, anything is an impact and will be appreciated by on of these men or women. It's not that I am discriminating against other victims of homelessness, but these are the ones that impacted me, and I wont to impact them in return. It's the least I could do to someone who gave all for me to have a safe, warm, dry bed to sleep in at night.

Yesterday, I spent the day taking my grandparents on a day trip. My grandfather suffers with Alzheimers. It's depressing, not being remembered, but seeing my grandmother hurt more than he is--emotionally, physically, mentally. He's like an over sized child that you must respect. For most they are hurt more of being forgotten, I'm long over that. I want to help her by giving her an extra hand and support beacon. Maybe I could spend time with patients themselves and more importantly, my grandfather.

Lastly, and probably most strange, I want to put a smile on strangers faces. Ask anyone, at first sight, my default look is not one that many find heartwarming. Most assume I'm a bitch or I am pissed because of my "swagger." Last night, while I was reading MakesYouThink.com I saw where people were moved just by little everyday things people do that were not asked for, unexpected, but totally appreciated. Little do we realize how saying "You looking great" can really turn someones day around. I want to make an effort to brighten up a strangers day for no reason except to say "I impacted someon's life and made the world a better place" yeah, it sounds a little beauty pageant-esq but I believe in fairy tales and dreams do afterall come true.

Last night I found this website that left me misty eyed and broken hearted.

Inspired by the format of popular humor site, FMyLife.com (FML), MakesMeThink.com (MMT) was founded as a refined, thought-provoking alternative. MMT is an online community where people share daily life stories that provoke deep thought and inspire positive change.

Sometimes the most random everyday encounters force us to stop and rethink the truths and perceptions we have ingrained in our minds. These encounters are educationally priceless. They spawn moments of deep thought and self-reflection that challenge the status quo and help us evolve as sensible individuals.

Here are a few of my favorite submissions that inspired me to spend a few more extra minutes in my bedtime prayers:

Today, I was working in a coffee shop when 2 gay men walked in holding hands. As you might expect, heads started turning. Then a young girl at the table next to me asked her mom why 2 men were holding hands. Her mom replied, "Because they love each other." MMT

Today, my father gave one slice of pizza to our poor gardener's son - a 6-year-old boy. He wrapped the slice of pizza in a napkin and set it aside. When my father asked him why he wasn’t eating it now, he said, "I’m going to take it home and share it with my mother and sister." MMT